Tours

Old San Juan

This walking tour highlights the most important sights in San Juan's Old City, including Fuerte San Felipe del Morro (El Morro Fortress), Cristo Street, Cathedral de San Juan (the Cathedral) and La Muralla (city wall). Old San Juan runs from the south to north end of the islet where Puerto Rico's Spanish roots are preserved. It's connected to the mainland by bridges and a causeway. Contemporary high-rise resorts hug the waterfront to the east and across the bay to the west. Strap on your walking shoes and commence your tour at the Doña Fela parking lot on Recinto Sur Street. Or as an alternative, begin at the Plazoleta Rafael Carrión (just in front of the Banco Popular Building). Heading west you will pass the San Justo, Cruz, and San Jose intersections. This stretch is a bit steep but worth the effort, as it offers great views of the bay. Once you reach the Capilla del Cristo (Christ Chapel) you will be on Cristo Street. To your left (heading north), discover the lush landscaping at the Parque de las Palomas. Along the way, you will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy a respite at one of the lovely traditional Puerto Rican street cafes.

When you reach the Fortaleza Street intersection, the Governor's mansion is located on the left. Its official name is the Palacio de Santa Catalina, but it is known popularly as La Fortaleza. As you continue north, the San Juan Cathedral is visible on your right, across from the Grand Hotel El Convento. As your stroll continues, you'll pass Plaza San Jose, which leads to the historic church of the same name. From this strategic vantage point, you will be able to spy Plaza del Quinto Centenario on your left. Here the imposing six-level fort, El Morro will loom onto to the horizon. Now part of the San Juan National Historical site, it operates under the auspices of the National Park Service. Tours are conducted via guides (free from 10a-4p), or you may choose to conduct a self-guided exploration. Wander through its dungeons, lookouts, barracks and vaults. Don't miss a visit to the small museum for a history lesson dating back to the 1500s.

Around the Walled City

Old San Juan is small—a seven-square-block area of pastel-colored colonial buildings surrounded by a 140-foot wall built to fend off invaders. It's best to begin this outing at the fortress, El Morro. From there, go south via the trail off the Escuela de Artes Plásticas (plastics art school) and the Asilo de Beneficiencia (home for the poor park). After you pass the pink Casa Rosada you'll reach La Rogativa, which is a small plaza with a huge bronze sculpture depicting a religious procession. Note La Fortaleza's guarded patio. Then continue your walk through the Puerta de San Juan (San Juan city gate) into the promenade and you'll reach the beautiful avenue, Paseo de la Princesa. From here the view of the bay is simply breathtaking. Proceed east and you'll be back at the Banco Popular Building, ready to begin your next adventure.

San Juan's Plazas

Begin this tour at the Doña Fela parking lot on Recinto Sur Street in Old San Juan. Walk east along Recinto Sur Street, where you will approach the beautiful Tapia Theatre and the Plaza Colón. If you need a distraction, take a short detour over to the Casino of Puerto Rico, where you can try your hand at a game of chance. Afterward cruise down San Francisco Street until you reach the intersection of Tanca and San Justo Streets. Your first destination is the Plaza de Armas, which is the central plaza in front of City Hall. Here you can rest or enjoy an afternoon concert at the Plaza, if your timing is right. If not, you'll want to take the opportunity to explore the many shopping opportunities in the area surrounding Plaza de Armas. This short tour is great for the daydreamer or the shopaholic!

Day Trips

While San Juan has a good share of activities and sights, the rest of the island is not to be forgotten during your visit. From inviting beaches to underground caves, Puerto Rico's wealth of attractions appeals to travelers with varied interests. In fact, the island hosts the only rain forest within the USA's Forest System and the Arecibo Observatory, featured in movies like James Bond's "Goldeneye," is remarkable. The classic colonial towns are worth a visit as well.

North Coast

Puerto Rico's northernmost region features the extensive Río Camuy Underground Cave System, 268-acres of impressive caves. It is the largest system of its type in Puerto Rico, and is located in the town of Camuy on Route 129. The world's third longest subterranean river runs through the attraction. The nearby town of Arecibo hosts the Observatory, a true wonder of human invention. Operated by Cornell University, it consists of a large 20-acre radar dish laid on a sinkhole more than 550 feet deep. The Observatory is a center for the SETI program, which searches for extraterrestrial intelligence.

East Coast

The island's east coast is perfect for those who love nature. Here you will find breezy beaches and a very unique rain forest. A must are the roadside "kioskos" (informal restaurants) in the town of Luquillo that serve delicious local specialties. Luquillo's beaches are some of the finest on the island. Soft sand and a tranquil atmosphere make them a great option to the crowded beaches in San Juan. The Balneario de Luquillo is a government-operated beach that opens daily and offers full facilities. The El Yunque Caribbean National Forest is the crown jewel of Puerto Rico's natural resource portfolio and makes an excellent family day trip. More than 25,000 acres of lush vegetation, including 240 different tree species, are found here. The very rare Puerto Rican parrot is one of the most notable species living in the reserve.

West Coast

Puerto Rico's western coast is just coming into its own. Long overlooked as a tourist destination, only the Rincon area was even in mentioned in the guidebooks. Although there are many small beach villages here (such as Boqueron, Combate and Parguera), the standouts are Mayaguez and Rincon. Mayaguez offers visitors the only zoo in Puerto Rico, located right in the center of town. Art lovers should visit the city's Teatro Yaguez (a performing arts center), built in the Art Deco style. The downtown area's architecture recalls the Spanish colonial style. Rincon is known as the surf capital of the Caribbean and has several world-class surfing beaches. As a result, the town has evolved into a bustling tourist haven.

South Coast

The colonial city of Ponce is one of Puerto Rico's most beautiful and classic attractions. A full day is appropriate to appreciate its cultural wealth. Among the most important sights to visit is the Serralles Castle, built on top of a hill that overlooks the city. It would be a shame to miss a visit to the Ponce Museum of Art, one of the Caribbean's best and host to several major international expositions. Love Native American cultures? The Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center is located off the town and depicts life five hundred years ago. The city center is a great district for leisurely walks, and at the Plaza de las Delicias, you'll find the Ponce Fire House (Parque de Bombas), one of the most photographed buildings in all of Puerto Rico.